Premna Microphylla Pruning Maintenance | Alagao Taiwan

I’ve been doing premna microphylla maintenance for years. This is a regular garden activity I need to perform consistently. This method helps keep my premnas in good shape and health. There are some important bonsai maintenance practices to consider when caring for premnas and I have discussed this in my previous post How to Make a Bonsai Pinoy Style.

One of the most simple bonsai specimens to cultivate is a premna. They can withstand harsh conditions and thrive in warm climates.

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a couple of cuttings the year before, and they are doing rather well under my care right now. One of those premnas is this one here.

Leaf size reduction

It is clear that the continual trimming has resulted in a reduction in its size of it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with leaves going small. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the rate of growth will likely become slower if the leaves are pruned to a smaller size. That is the outcome that makes the most sense, given that tiny leaves lead to the development of short stems, which in turn suggests that growth is limited.

Trimming Premna Microphyllia Bonsai cutting

The same may not be true for the roots. Given that roots merely keep growing regardless of what’s going on above them and don’t really pay attention to what’s happening there. Have a look at this small premna that I trimmed to encourage ramification and branching off of the main stem.